Why You Shouldn't Pass Up on Those Roadside Lookouts

We often will just pass by those crowded road side lookouts on our way to our destinations, but if your not in a rush, stopping at these places can be very fun and rewarding. Here are a few reasons why:

They Can Provide You With a Lesson

Sure, you didn't plan on studying this weekend and perhaps history is the last thing on your mind but some of those roadside points of interest offer some great stories. Maybe a significant event happened there or maybe just the name and date of who discovered it. Stopping for even a minute can give you a brief glimpse into what life was like back in the day.

They Have Picnic Areas

Wouldn't you love to take a break instead of eating on the go? If you pack road trip snacks, why not pull off and chow down. Most roadside pit stops will have picnic areas, some even have covered huts so you're prepared for any type of weather mother nature could throw at you. Plus, what better way to take in the views by breaking out those classic PB&J sandwiches with perhaps a million dollar view behind you.

You Get a Chance to Swap Stories:

Of course you and your friends will be talking non-stop the entire road trip, but stopping at those popular tourist hotspots can pay off big. You get to chat with other travelers, some who are perhaps coming from the opposite direction. What better way to get the inside edge on places to see down the road, and some may be off the beaten path. Plus, you get the chance to tell that story to someone who hasn't heard it for the millionth time.

They Offer Some of The Best Photography Spots

This should come as a given. Most of those spots are there for a reason and many of them being the views! It may seem like cheating driving right up to a spot and only walking meters to a spectacular lookout but hey we don't always have to sweat to get a great shot. Plus, if it's along the way why not, right? If you go early morning or late evening you can bypass some of the daytime crowds and have the place all to yourself. If not, I'm sure you can find a way to weave your way through the maze of people for that iconic picture.

Whether you are road tripping cross country or just heading north for the weekend taking time out of your trip to stop at those points of interest can be very rewarding. It doesn't need to be a long pit stop, even the short ones can leave you feeling refreshed, refueled, and enlightened. So next time you see a roadside pullout think twice about stopping because in the words of Ferris Bueller, " Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it"